Ready, Set...Go!

Years ago, out of a desperation to maintain some semblance of sanity in my life while my husband was deployed for a year, the concept of 34 Weeks of Clean was birthed.  While it has gone through a few changes over the years, the basic concept is still the same- clean, declutter, and organize your house, one week at a time for 34 weeks.  Simple!

This year is going to look a bit different for our family.  Our house goes on the market this week and we anticipate moving two hours north of here, hopefully by summer.  I am ever so grateful we have done the 34 Weeks of Clean program for several years now, as getting ready for the sale of the house has proved fairly easy.  There has been little to weed out and not much to do.  A little staging here and there and our regular cleaning is all it has taken.

Read this NOT as a brag on our part, but a personal testimony that 34 Weeks of Clean can and does work!  It is NOT a fix quick, it does take some time and energy- but it is most definitely worth it.  I promise!

While I will not be blogging on the system much this year, I think our time will be taken over with move and building a house posts, we will be following along as best we can and are always here to answer questions and cheer you on!

Grab a friend and work together, or at least spur each other on.  Accountability goes a long way for motivation!

We always start with Christmas decorations, but if you have already taken those down you can jump right in to week two, or consider yourself ahead and enjoy one more week off.

Remember- slow and steady wins the race.

One. Week. At. A. Time!

Trust me on this one.  If you work ahead you will wear yourself out and never finish.  Our homes did not get in their current shape in a week...you will most certainly not fix the problem in a few short days!


One more piece of advice- make it your goal to simplify your life- you will not regret it.  Stuff all over our homes clutters our heads and our hearts.  I have written a short series called Clearing Out the Clutter on that note that I encourage you to read if this is a struggle for you.


Good luck and Happy New Year!  May this year be full of love and joy- and a house that reflects the peace of God, inside and out!

Start here with reading the INTRO post that will help explain the process and answer some FAQs!

Your 34 Weeks of Clean schedule-

Intro Week
Week 1- Holiday Decorations
Week 2-The Pantry
Week 3-Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers   

Week 4- Fridge, Freezer and Floors
Week 5- Recipes 
Week 6- The Stove and Loose Ends 
Week 7- The Dining Room 
Week 8- The Living Room 
Week 9- Books 
Week 10- Bathrooms  
Week 11- The Foyer
Week 12- The Family Room and DVDs 
Week 13- Pictures and Scrapbooks
Week 14- Arts, Crafts and Hobbies 
Week 15- The Master Bedroom  
Week 16- The Master Closet 

Week 17- The Master Bathroom

Week 18- Halftime

Week 19- Bedrooms 1 &2

Week 20- Bedrooms 3+

Week 21- The Hall Closet 

Week 22- The Laundry/Mudroom 

Week 23- The Linen Closet

Week 24- Porches and Decks 

Week 25- The Yard

Week 26- Storage Areas and Attics 

Week 27- Clothes Storage 

Week 28- The School Room 

Week 29- The Garage

Week 30- The Cars 

Week 31- The Office 

Week 32- The Computer

Week 33- The Address Book 

Blessings,

Start off the New Year with my friends at Timberdoodle Blog!


My friends at Timberdoodle are back at it- this time some Spring Cleaning is happening!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

What Our Weekly Cleaning Looks Like

Since we are 4 weeks deep in our 34 Weeks of Clean series, I have gotten several questions about our weekly cleaning schedule.  No, for the record,  I do not ignore the rest of the house while we "34 week" it!  While we do concentrate on one area a week for deep cleaning, decluttering and organizing, there are still other places in the house that get dirty through the week and have to be cleaned.  Bummer, right!?

Let me begin by telling you I do not believe there is a right and wrong way to do this.  I have tried many different ways and in different seasons, some have worked better than others.  This is just where we are now.  When I was a kid I helped my mom clean on Saturday mornings.  I use the term "morning" lightly, because I am an only child, and it took the two of us a long while to clean. (She did hire someone to help her AFTER I left for college, true story!)  I remember often putting on loud music and the two of us working until the whole house was done.  If you didn't work, you didn't play later.

I am sure I did a lot of complaining then but I look back at those days with a smile.  Projects are always more fun with friends, right!  And they often get done more quickly.

That being said, I do not do our house all in one day at this point in my life.  My two girls are grown and the boys, well, we would just not do as well as I would like.

So here is my method, quite similar to my 34 Weeks method.  One room or area a day!
Here's what it looks like for me- And yes, I have it posted because I cannot remember one minute to the next, more or less one week to another!

Monday- Living Room
Tuesday- Laundry and Hall Bath
Wednesday- Master Bathroom
Thursday-Kitchen
Friday- Dining Room and Library
Saturday- Bedroom
Sunday- Towels/sheets

Now I know that leaves some spaces, but that is where my family and team work come in.  

They also have a similar chart, but with their areas in it.  So the boys both have days for their laundry, bedrooms, their bathroom, taking out trash, scooping the yard, etc.  My oldest kindly keeps up with our third floor, the kitchen there included, as that is where she lives currently.

Keep in mind, this is weekly cleaning, not necessarily deep cleaning.  I do try to do baseboards the first week of each month, and because I have learned the hard way, I do the blinds in each room weekly now.  Proof that you can teach an old dog new tricks!

In a perfect world it works great!  News flash- we do not live in a perfect world, so some days get missed and the next day I have to double up.  Such is life, but in general I try hard to stick with the plan.

Is it a perfect solution?  Maybe not, but it works for us.  Give it a go, see what you think, and adjust to your needs in this season!

Happy cleaning, ya'll!

Blessings,

Welcome to 34 Weeks of Clean 2019!

Oh. My. Word!  We are back at it.  34 Weeks of Clean starts next week and I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous about the journey.  We just retired from the military after 26 years, moved into our "forever" home, and are still in shock that we are living in sunny Arizona.  Lots of changes have taken place in our lives and we are still trying to find our new normal. 

BUT, like you- there is always a new project waiting for us.  And let's face it, it is much more fun when you work as a team!  So let's get started!


WHAT IS 34 WEEKS OF CLEAN?
It is about deep cleaning every space of your house.
It is about decluttering those spaces.
And finally, it is about re-organizing those spaces.

One week at a time.  One space at a time!

You CAN do it!  Our first run of 34 Weeks of Clean (several years ago) proved to be helpful to many.  With a little hard work and a lot of cheering from friends, you too can take your house back!


How did this craziness all begin?

34 Weeks was a project born out of the need to keep busy during my husband's year long deployment, but turned into a passion I did not even know I had.  Yes, I have always loved lists and schedules and calendars and been a little type-A about my house, but what I did not realize was how passionate I was about helping others take control of their homes and the stuff within.  34 Weeks gave me the opportunity to share some hints I have learned along the way and since then has even allowed me to speak with a MOPS group about how to declutter and clean, making your house a place that will be filled with God's peace, and allowing you to open your home to others.

34 weeks not only became a verb in our home and others, you know- "What happened to that basket?" "Oh, mom 34 weeked it!", but it also buried itself deeper and deeper in my heart.  We never run out of the need to clean, declutter, and take control of our homes.  It is NOT a one time deal, as nice as that would be.  



So let me answer a few questions-

Why are you doing this again?
Maybe because I am a glutton for punishment! ;)  Not really.  So many of you asked, so here we are.  Whether or not I posted, my family would be following this schedule.  It is just what we do.  I am thrilled that so many have found it to be helpful in their lives as well and it is fun to share and compare notes each week.  Cleaning, decluttering, and organizing are not just a one time fix.  Our homes do not remain static, no matter how hard we try - thus the need to "rinse and repeat," as one friend put it!

Why 34 Weeks?
It just worked out that way!  Can it be done faster?  I am sure it can.  But take it from those of us who have done this before - if you push too hard or try to work ahead you risk burnout.  This is not a race. Our homes did not get to the place they are now in a day and they will not be magically fixed in a day!

What does joining us mean?
That you will follow along as we go!  No need to subscribe (although we would love for you to subscribe) and nothing to fill out.  No fees!  No contracts.  Just hop on the blog each Monday for the week's assignment.  If you want an easy reminder, make sure to like our Facebook page- links will be posted there each Monday!

What do I do then?
How you tackle the assignment is up to you.  No one's house is quite the same and no one works in the same manner.  In addition, some projects will be harder or more time consuming than others. If you work during the week, you may find working on weekends is best for you.  If you are a busy mom of multiple children, you may enjoy enlisting their help and working as a team.  If you are a night owl, 15 minutes a night may be best for you.  Find what works for you and go for it!

Do I need to report in?
Nope!  But we would love it if you would help us encourage others by checking in occasionally!  We love when you post pictures on our Family, Faith and Fridays Facebook page! It helps inspire others, really it does.

What if my results don't look like yours?
OK, I made that question up.  But I want to say this - everyone's idea of clean is different.  Everyone's idea of decluttered is different.  Everyone's idea of organized is different.  We ARE ALL DIFFERENT!  This is not a competition.  It is a chance for YOU to take YOUR home back.  Enjoy YOUR results and know you are doing a GREAT job!


Why one week at a time?  Because these are not small projects.  We are deep cleaning, de-cluttering AND re-organizing!  Yes, it is a challenge.  Yes, it is worth it!  In the end you will feel like you have a new house and a new lease on life.  Trust me, I know!  It is freeing to unload stuff you don't need or love.  It feels good to walk into a house that is clean and says welcome.  And it saves much time and effort to live in an organized house!

I know some of you have gotten industrious and moved out a lot of stuff already.  Can I just encourage you to slow down a bit and wait for the rest of us?  It is exciting to get started but I know from experience that those who bolt out of the starting gate at lightening speed are usually the ones that fade out the fastest.  There is a reason we tackle one project or area one week at a time.  34 Weeks of Clean- our houses, our messes, and ALL that it encompasses is just one tiny part of our lives.  We must not let it become an idol.  It should NOT consume our lives.  (shhh, don't tell my kids!)  I truly believe your life can be blessed by 34 weeks, but there are many other blessings out there you don't want to miss.  Clean, declutter, and organize with us each week and then GO, enjoy your life.


Let me say it again, don't work ahead!  Please.  You will wear yourself out in just a few weeks.  Take your time each week and do it well.  Don't give up!  You CAN do this and you WILL be blessed by it!  Just remember it is a journey not a sprint.  Your house did not get in the shape it is in one day.  It is a slow creep, and it takes time to reverse the mayhem.



So each Monday, beginning on January 7th, we will be posting your new 34 Weeks of Clean assignment!  And yes, heads up, we will start with Christmas decorations.  If you are new, jump in and join the fun!  If you participated before, I am so glad you are back.  The posts will be updated (because my new house needs a lot of work) and expanded a bit so hopefully you won't get bored.  (Who gets bored while cleaning, anyway?)

Be ready to clean, purge, and organize your house back into shape and cheer each other on!  I am so thrilled you are joining us on this adventure!  Can't wait to get to know you!

Intro Week
Week 1- Holiday Decorations
Week 2-The Pantry
Week 3-Kitchen Cabinets and Drawers   

Week 4- Fridge, Freezer and Floors
Week 5- Recipes 
Week 6- The Stove and Loose Ends 
Week 7- The Dining Room 
Week 8- The Living Room 
Week 9- Books 
Week 10- Bathrooms  
Week 11- The Foyer
Week 12- The Family Room and DVDs 
Week 13- Pictures and Scrapbooks
Week 14- Arts, Crafts and Hobbies 
Week 15- The Master Bedroom  
Week 16- The Master Closet 

Week 17- The Master Bathroom

Week 18- Halftime

Week 19- Bedrooms 1 &2

Week 20- Bedrooms 3+

Week 21- The Hall Closet 

Week 22- The Laundry/Mudroom 

Week 23- The Linen Closet

Week 24- Porches and Decks 

Week 25- The Yard

Week 26- Storage Areas and Attics 

Week 27- Clothes Storage 

Week 28- The School Room 

Week 29- The Garage

Week 30- The Cars 

Week 31- The Office 

Week 32- The Computer

Week 33- The Address Book 

Blessings, 

May 34 Weeks of Clean Assignments

Wow, how is it that May is already here? 

Welcome back to 34 Weeks of Clean!  I hope you had a good week off.  Whether you got the week off or plowed through your house trying to catch up, I am glad you are back with us.  If you are new here, just pick up where we are and finish the first half later.

This month is actually one I think is fairly easy, so throw open your windows, enjoy the sun, and get busy taking your house back, one room at a time!

Remember- no matter how tempting, do not work ahead.  Once you are done for your week, just enjoy your work well done.  The next assignment will come soon enough, I promise.

May
Week 19- Bedrooms 1 & 2
Week 20- Bedrooms 3+
Week 21- The Hall Closet
Week 22- The Laundry/Mudroom

And is it worth it?  Let me share a few pictures of our kids' bedrooms to encourage you.  Now I know we do not have little ones in our house anymore, and these have been cleared a bit more than normal for staging to sell our house, but even my oldest son has commented on how much he likes a clear and clean room.

 
You can do it, friends!!

Blessings!

April 34 Weeks Of Clean Assignments

There is just something about spring that screams CLEAN!  You know, that whole Spring Cleaning thing.  The good news is that if you have been following 34 Weeks of Clean since we started you are already well on your way.  Yay you!!


The bad news is that if you have been with us from the beginning you may also feel like slowing down.   We start off strong and then start to fizzle.  It happens.

Can I encourage you to keep pushing forward?  You are doing great, and even if you have slacked off there is no time like the present to get back on the bandwagon.

You CAN do this!

One week at a time.

Can I also remind you of a few things?

• Your space did not get dirty in a day, it will not be clean in a day.  It's ok.
• The more stuff you own, the more stuff you have to clean and organize.  Choose your battles!
• Our things do not define us!
• Surround yourself with only the things that are useful and that you love.

So here we go- your month's schedule, including a week off!  Gasp, I know, can you believe it?  You are almost half way there.

Week 14- Arts, Crafts & Hobbies

Week 15- The Master Bedroom

Week 16- The Master Closet

Week 17- The Master Bath

Week 18- Half-Time

I am cheering you on!
Blessings,

34 Weeks of Clean- March Links

Yes, March is here and you are now two months into our 34 Weeks of Clean.  I have seen some of your work, and I am proud of you!  If you have fallen behind, no worries.  Just pick up where we are and move forward.   If you are just now joining us, welcome!!

Our goals are to deep clean,  declutter,  and then reorganzize.

This is NOT just about moving things around, or finding new and more creative places to stash our junk.  This is about getting rid of the junk that is holding us down and making our homes a disaster zone.  It is about living with just the things you love!

Go ahead and try it!  Pare down to just the things you need and love and see how much better you feel.

This month we will head into some areas that are notorious for collecting stuff we do not need.  Bathrooms, anyone?  Samples, bottles, and extras?  Toss it!  Entryways full of one mitten and non matching socks?  Toss it!  DVDs in your family room that no one even likes to watch?  Bless someone else!  And pictures and scrapbook supplies? Well let's just say I need a come to Jesus moment with those things this month!


More on that to come.

Until then- remember the rules- one week at a time!  As tempting as it is, do not jump ahead.  You will wear yourself out and regret it.  Ask me how I know this!

Above all, have fun!  Grab a friend and challenge them.  Or work together to achieve success.  Any way you choose is fine, just make it work for YOU!

Oh, and let me know how you are doing!

Blessings,


March

Week 10- The Bathrooms

Week 11- Entryway

Week 12- The Family Room + DVDs

Week 13- Pictures and Scrapbooks

 

January 34 Weeks of Clean Schedule

Physical and mental clutter can lead to unhealthy habits, obsessive thoughts, and anxiety 

-Psychology Today

It's January 1st and you know what that means.  It's time to begin 34 Weeks of Clean!

Welcome friends!  We are so glad you are here!

Let me start with a real quick background and then a few ground rules.

34 Weeks of Clean began a few years ago out of desperation to keep myself busy while my hero husband was deployed for a year.  Somehow I convinced some people to play along with my madness and such began a cleaning, de-cluttering and organizing frenzy!  Each year our followers have increased in numbers and each year I count them as friends.  I cannot even begin to tell you how glad I am you are here with us!

Plan to have fun, make friends, and take your houses back!

This year I will be running things a little differently due to my need to save myself some time that I need to use to focus on some big, impending changes in our lives.

Each month I will post the assignments that will take place within that particular month, with any updates I might have, here on the blog!  Each week on our Family, Faith and Fridays blog Facebook page, as well as my personal page, I will post a quick reminder for your week.  

Hence, these rules-

1- Stay connected!  Keep your eye on the Facebook pages and feel free to ask about anything or simply chat away.  Misery, I mean friends, love company.

2- Take ONE WEEK AT A TIME!  I cannot emphasize this enough.  Really, I can't!  Our tendency is to hit the ground running at the beginning (picture the gyms across America in January) and then fizzle out because we pushed too hard.  This is divided into 34 Weeks for a reason.  Some weeks will take longer than others, but all require some effort.  Do what you can when you can, but stay with us each week.  It will benefit you in the end, I promise.

3- If one particular week simply does not apply to you, enjoy a week off.  It won't happen often, but it can happen.  Treat yourself to a break that week and be ready to go again the next week.

4- Have fun!  Grab a few friends and challenge each other, winner gets dinner out.  Or enlist the help of your kids and then celebrate each success with a special dessert.  Or find a friend to work together with, a few days at your house and then a few days at hers.  Do whatever it takes to make it fun and get it done!  (hey, that rhymes!)

5- Keep the goals in sight!  We are DEEP CLEANING, DE-CLUTTERING and ORGANIZING!  It takes ALL THREE to equal success.   


So without any further ado, let's get January started.

Week 1- Holiday Decorations

Week 2- The Pantry

Week 3- Kitchen Cabinets and Doors

Week 4- Fridge, Freezers, and Floors

Week 5- Recipes

 I can't wait to hear how you do!

Thanks to the many people who have shared 34 Weeks of Clean with their friends!  You have blessed me, and I know you are blessing others as well.  Plus, it is simply more fun to work with friends.

Blessings,

The 34 Weeks of Clean Masterpost

This year I will not be blogging weekly about 34 Weeks of Clean.  It takes a lot of mental and physical energy to get it all posted, and I need to direct both of those things elsewhere this year.

BUT- that does not mean I am not following the schedule!  As a matter of fact, we are!  Regardless of what goes on in our lives, our houses still need attention, and clutter will collect magically if not kept in check.

So for our 34 Weeks of Clean veterans, welcome back!  You know what to do!

For those of you who are new, welcome!  Each week just check back here, read this post (maybe bookmark it on your phone or computer!) to find the week we are on, follow the directions, and take back your house- one week at a time.  At the beginning of each month I will check back in with you all, offer some updates and hound you , I mean, cheer you on in case you stall out!

Why one week at a time?  Because these are not small projects.  We are deep cleaning, de-cluttering AND re-organizing!  Yes, it is a challenge.  Yes, it is worth it!  In the end you will feel like you have a new house and a new lease on life.  Trust me, I know!  It is freeing to unload stuff you don't need or love.  It feels good to walk in to a house that is clean and says welcome.  And it saves much time and effort to live in an organized house!

Don't work ahead!  Please.  You will wear yourself out in just a few weeks.  Take your time each week and do it well.  Don't give up!  You CAN do this and you WILL be blessed by it!  Just remember it is a journey not a sprint.  Your house did not get in the shape it is in one day.  It is a slow creep, and it takes time to reverse the mayhem.

So roll up your sleeves and get ready to take your houses back in 2018!

On January 1st- READY, SET, GO!

January
Week 1- Holiday Decorations

Week 2- The Pantry

Week 3- Kitchen Cabinets and Doors

Week 4- Fridge, Freezers, and Floors

Week 5- Recipes
February

Week 6- The Stove and Dreaded Loose Ends

Week 7- The Dining Room

Week 8- The Living Room

Week 9- Books
March

Week 10- The Bathrooms

Week 11- Entryway

Week 12- The Family Room + DVDs

Week 13- Pictures and Scrapbooks
April

Week 14- Arts, Crafts & Hobbies

Week 15- The Master Bedroom

Week 16- The Master Closet

Week 17- The Master Bath

Week 18- Half-Time
May
Week 19- Bedrooms 1 & 2
Week 20- Bedrooms 3+
Week 21- The Hall Closet
Week 22- The Laundry/Mudroom
June
Week 23- The Linen Closet
Week 24- The Porch and Deck
Week 25- The Yard
Week 26- Storage Areas and Attics
July
Week 27- Clothes Storage
Week 28- The School Room
Week 29- The Garage
Week 30- The Cars
Week 31- The Office
August
Week 32- The Computer
Week 33- Address Books
Week 34- The Finale

Again, I will check back in with you in a few weeks.  Until then, if you have questions or just want to keep me updated on your success, you are welcome to pop onto our Family, Faith and Fridays Facebook page and ask or post away!

Blessings!

34 Weeks of Clean, Rinse and Repeat: Week 1- Holiday Decorations

Welcome to 34 Weeks of Clean!  If you are new to the blog, let me say a big hello, we are so glad you are here!  From our initial post, (you can find common Q&As there!) we have had people from 31 states plus Germany and Alaska say they are joining us.  People just like you and me who are ready to take their homes back.  We are overwhelmed with your responses and enthusiasm and thrilled you are joining us.  THANK YOU to all who have shared our posts and egged on encouraged their friends to join us!  If you do not know me yet, you can read all about me and my clan on my About Me Page. So let's start with a few housekeeping details- I love details, don't ya know!

• A new assignment will be given each Monday.
• You will have one week to work on said assignment.  How that looks is up to you.  You can conquer it all in one day and sit back and enjoy the week, you can make it your weekend project, or you can set a timer each day and work until the buzzer goes off.  Find what works for you and go for it!  Every week will look a bit differently, so be sure to be flexible. 
• Your goal EACH week will be to deep clean, de-clutter, and then reorganize.
• Take pictures!  If not for us, then for yourself.  You will be amazed at what you will accomplish in 34 weeks, I assure you!  Share your picture on our Family, Faith and Fridays facebook page each week, whether of your before, after, or both and you will be entered to win a $50.00 prize package from our friends at 621 Gifts!  You must post each week to be eligible for the drawing.
• I KNOW it is tempting to work ahead.  I advise you not to.  Trust me, if this is a light week for you, enjoy it! ;)  Not all weeks are created equal and you will get burned out if you press too hard and too fast.  Clean the assigned area and then go live life.  Enjoy your family, love your neighbors, have some fun.  Next Monday will be here before you know it, I promise!
• If you are a fellow blogger, we would love for you to put the button for the series on your blog and/or post about your progress.  It is always more fun when we can snoop look into others' lives, right?!  Even if you are not a blogger, make sure you leave a comment and let us know how you are doing so we can cheer you on!

<a href="http://s1320.photobucket.com/user/Michele_Pleasants/media/cleanbutton_zpsnlzebjbs.png.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u532/Michele_Pleasants/cleanbutton_zpsnlzebjbs.png" border="0" alt=" photo cleanbutton_zpsnlzebjbs.png"/></a>

• DO NOT spend lots of money on organizational "stuff."  Some things are great, and if you need something then go get it.  But please do not buy boxes and bins just to fill a space.  Remember, the goal here is to de-clutter as well.  Those cute plastic bins can just add to the clutter.  Look at what you have and re-purpose things - think bags, baskets, and existing furniture.  We will expand on this idea as we go, promise!
• Have fun!  Or at least as much fun as one can have while cleaning and organizing.   

First things first!  Holiday decorations!  Sorry, no keeping things up for the next month in this house.  Now, I know many of you have put things away.  I am challenging you to pull it back out this week.  I know, I know, but you can do it! 

I love decorating for the holidays but when Christmas is over, well, let's just say I. Am. Done!  Just ask my kids! ;)  It is almost as much fun as spring cleaning, trust me on this one.  Put on your favorite music, roll up your sleeves, and let's get started!

Helpful hints-

• Clean each piece as you put them away!  (This is the deep clean part.) All those little knick knacks and do-dads have been sitting out for at least a few weeks gathering dust.  Before you put them away, wipe them down!

Yes, I had my mom's help this year!

• Same goes for artificial trees.  Although I love ours, they are dust magnets.  You can use a small hand-held vacuum to help you out.  At the very least, take them outside and give them a shake.  A few years ago I decided to save myself the trouble of taking ours apart and just put them back in storage in one piece, but I intend to get large plastic bags to put over the top to protect them.  Some years we leave the lights on our trees but if you take yours off, old cereal boxes that have been collapsed are perfect for winding lights onto, as are cardboard wrapping paper rolls cut down to size!

• This year when you put things away, ask yourself- do I really love this?  Do I really need it? (We are going to ask ourselves these questions a lot over the next 34 weeks, start practicing!) Again, if you have put things away, pull them back out and really think about each piece. Sometimes more isn't better (well, most of the time, but that is for a different post, right?!). Donate what you do not need - local shelters and retirement homes would love your extras!

•  Put like items together and LABEL them!  Some of mine had beautiful labels on them (I do love my label maker) while for others I used a sharpie marker.  Details don't matter, just make sure it is all labeled. That way, if you decide to decorate in waves like I do, you can pull out just what you need in the moment rather than riffling through every bin looking for your one treasured item.

• Think outside the box!  Literally!  See that yellow trash can?  It used to hold dog food.  But I found it was perfect for coiling up outside lights and garland into.  Easy to put them in, easy to get them out.  Now, if we could just invent a way to make them easy to put up! My husband would love that!

• Ornament boxes and wreath boxes are two exceptions to my "don't buy special boxes" rule. There are other ways to store those things but with all of our moving I have found that things are better protected in those specialty containers.  If you have the space to hang up wreaths you can do so, just know they may get pretty dusty in a year.  Ask me how I know this! ;) A trash bag over them may help.

• Put it all away in ONE spot if possible.  Each time we move that storage looks a little different.  One year it was in the basement, this year it is on shelves in our garage.  The key is to house everything in the same area if at all possible.

• Keep a list of what you have. There is no need to buy items on sale that you do not need.  If you don't need it, you can consider it saving money - no matter the price.  Know what you have and know what you need.

• And as long as we are on the subject of HOLIDAY decorations, if you decorate for other holidays the same things apply, and go ahead and go through those decorations this week too, if you can (Thanksgiving, Easter, Valentine's Day, etc.).  Label your boxes, sort through what you don't need or use any longer, and keep it all in one place. If you can't tackle them this week, don't worry, you can fit them in during the break week!

OK, don't get lost in the details!  Just get started and see what you can do in a week!  Don't forget to take pictures of your progress to share with us!  And if you have a tried-and-true helpful hint, we want you to share with us!  Many hands make light work, and many ideas - well, they give us inspiration.

So glad you have joined us!  Week by week, we CAN take back our homes and put a little order in our lives!

See ya back next week for our next assignment.  Until then, happy cleaning!

Linking up with Caroline
Blessings,

Getting Ready for 34 Weeks of Clean!

I cannot even begin to tell you how excited I am about officially starting this series next Monday!  Have I already said that?  Probably!  But, really, I am excited!

Already, thanks to your help with sharing these posts, several thousand people have viewed our plan and many have said they are in!

Let the fun begin, next week, January 9th!

Let me clear up a few questions we have had-

Why are you doing this again?
34 Weeks of Clean began as a project to keep me busy while my hero hubby was deployed for a year.  It worked well for us and many others who humored me and participated. ;)  But cleaning, decluttering, and organizing are not just a one time fix.  Our homes do not remain static, no matter how hard we try - thus the need to "rinse and repeat," as one friend put it!

Why 34 Weeks?
It just worked out that way!  Can it be done faster?  I am sure it can.  But take it from those of us who have done this before - if you push too hard or try to work ahead you risk burnout.  This is not a race. Our homes did not get to the place they are now in a day and they will not be magically fixed in a day!  Take one week at a time, enjoy the time you have, and be ready for a new week each Monday!

What does joining us mean?
That you will follow along as we go!  No need to subscribe (although we would love for you to subscribe) and nothing to fill out.  Just hop on the blog each Monday for the week's assignment.  If you want an easy reminder, make sure to like our Facebook page- links will be posted there each Monday!

What do I do then?
How you tackle the assignment is up to you.  No one's house is quite the same and no one works in the same manner.  In addition, some projects will be harder or more time consuming than others. If you work during the week, you may find working on weekends is best for you.  If you are a busy mom of multiple children, you may enjoy enlisting their help and working as a team.  If you are a night owl, 15 minutes a night may be best for you.  Find what works for you and go for it!

Do I need to report in?
Nope!  But we would love it if you would help us encourage others by checking in occasionally!  Plus, if you post a picture on our Family, Faith and Fridays Facebook page for each week's assignment, you will be entered into a special prize drawing!

There are PRIZES?
Yes!  Our friends at 621 Gifts have offered one of our weekly participants the chance to win a $50.00 prize basket!  By posting a picture of your process for each of the 34 weeks, you will be entered into the drawing.  If you are the winner, you will get to choose $50.00 worth of products from their amazing online store.  Remind me to tell you what some of our favorites are!

What if my results don't look like yous?
OK, I made that question up.  But I want to say this - everyone's idea of clean is different.  Everyone's idea of decluttered is different.  Everyone's idea of organized is different.  We ARE ALL DIFFERENT!  This is not a competition.  It is a chance for YOU to take YOUR home back.  Enjoy YOUR results and know you are doing a GREAT job!

Get ready to take your houses back and cheer each other on!  I am so thrilled you are joining us on this adventure!  Can't wait to get to know you!

Blessings,

34 Weeks of Clean Returns!

 

 

OK ya'll, I have to tell you how excited I am about this!  Like, REALLY excited.  For several reasons!

First of all, my house desperately needs to be cleaned, purged, and organized.  We have been here just over a year and it is starting to show!

Secondly, this revisit is in prep for finishing up the 34 Weeks of Clean book!  I know, I know, I was hoping that would happen this year, but life got in the way.  No more!  (distractions that is, not life!)

WHAT IS 34 WEEKS OF CLEAN?
It is about deep cleaning every space of your house.
It is about decluttering those spaces.
And finally, it is about re-organizing those spaces.

One week at a time.  One space at a time!

You CAN do it!  Our first run of 34 Weeks of Clean proved to be helpful to many.  With a little hard work and a lot of cheering from friends, you too can take your house back!


So each Monday, beginning on January 9th, we will be posting your new 34 Weeks of Clean assignment!  If you are new, jump in and join the fun!  If you participated before, I am so glad you are back.  The posts have been updated and expanded a bit so hopefully you won't get bored.  (Who gets bored while cleaning, anyways?)

One of the things we hope to add to our book will be checklists for your convenience!  If you have any other ideas of things you would like to see, or helpful hints that have worked for you, feel free to give me a shout out!  Maybe you will even get to see your name in lights print!

Soooooooooooooooooooo, all that being said- see ya back January 9th as we put away the holiday decorations and face a New Year!

Be ready to clean, purge, and organize your house back into shape!

Blessings,

34 Weeks of Clean Revisited

If you are not familiar with my 34 Weeks of Clean series, you will want to start by reading the intro post- 34 Weeks of Clean Intro.

It was a project born out of the need to keep busy during my husband's year long deployment, but turned into a passion I did not even know I had.  Yes, I have always loved lists and schedules and calendars and been a little type-A about my house, but what I did not realize was how passionate I was about helping others take control of their homes and the stuff within.  34 Weeks gave me the opportunity to share some hints I have learned along the way and since then has even allowed me to speak with a local MOPS group about how to declutter and clean, making your house a place that will filled with God's peace, allowing you to open your home to others.

34 Weeks took off and we have been thrilled to be able to share with readers our ebook that my friend and co-conspirator, Kemi Quinn, put together with me.  Kemi was the magic behind all the amazing printables and my cheerleader for the entire project.  I could not have done it without her! Kemi blogs at Homemaking Organized, and I encourage you to go check out her site!

34 weeks not only became a verb in our home and others, you know- "What happened to that basket?" "Oh, mom 34 weeked it!" but it also buried itself deeper and deeper into my heart.  We never run out of the need to clean, declutter, and take control of our homes.  It is NOT a one time deal, as nice as that would be.  As one friend and participant said, there is a need to rinse and repeat!

This may that time for you.  Or maybe you are new to 34 weeks and need a good, fresh start!  Well, here it is.  A complete list of all of our projects, one week at a time.

And yes, do them one week at a time.  Slow and steady wins the race and those who have gone before you will tell you that you will wear yourselves out fast if you plunge forward.

Week 1- Holiday Decorations
Week 2- The Pantry
Week 3- Kitchen Cabinets and Doors
Week 4- Fridge, Freezers, and Floors
Week 5- Recipes
Week 6- The Stove and Dreaded Loose Ends
Week 7- The Dining Room
Week 8- The Living Room
Week 9- Books
Week 10- The Entryway
Week 11- Bathrooms
Week 12- The Family Room + DVDs
Week 13- Pictures and Scrapbooks
Week 14- Arts & Crafts
Week 15- The Master Bedroom
Week 16- The Master Closet
Week 17- The Master Bath
Week 18- Half-time
Week 19- The Bedrooms 1 & 2
Week 20- The Bedrooms 3+
Week 21- The Hall Closet
Week 22- The Laundry Room/Mud Room
Week 23- The Linen Closet
Week 24- The Porch and Deck
Week 25- The Yard
Week 26- The Storage Room/Attic
Week 27- Clothes Storage
Week 28- The School Room
Week 29- The Office (Paperwork and Bills)
Week 30- The Computer
Week 31- Address Books & Office
Week 32- The Garage
Week 33- The Cars
Week 34- The Finale

And while you get started, know that I am cheering you on- while I am busy writing 34 Weeks of Clean- The Book!

If you participated at all last year, whether the whole time or just hit or miss, I would love for you to share your favorite week (or the one that made all the difference for you)with our readers !  Mine was the master closet!

Linking up with friends-

Blessings,

34 Weeks of Clean! Week 34- The Finale!

When we started 34 Weeks of Clean 34 weeks ago, it was truly not a challenge just for you.  It was was for me as well.  I knew that the timing was perfect for cleaning and organizing while my husband was away for the year.  It would give me something to do to pass the time productively, it would allow us time to get prepared for our upcoming move in December, and it would give me a community to connect with.  I'm happy to say that it did accomplish all three of those things!  And while the clean and organized house makes me want to cheer, it is the community of friends I have made along the way that have blessed me the most!  You all have made this journey fun and have encouraged me in some pretty dark days and I THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!

In addition to the simple art of cleaning and organizing, I hope these are some takeaways you also got from this journey-

Our stuff does not make us who we are!
Memories are best held in our hearts, not in our things!
Everything has a home!  If not, get rid of it!
Before you buy something, ask yourself, is it useful and do I really need it?
If you love it, use it, and would buy it again, keep it.  If not, out it goes!
One person's trash is another person's treasure!  Be willing to share!
Five minutes of pick up a day will keep your house cleaner than you think!
The less you have, the easier it is to be organized.  Declutter!
Buying more containers does not amount to less stuff!

So where do we go from here?  Now that you should have a relatively clean and organized house, I am going to let you in on a little secret.

 It will not stay that way without a little effort!

So what's a girl to do?  Rinse and repeat!

Maybe you do not need to start again tomorrow, but you will probably need to start again at some point, sooner than later.  I already know several areas in my own home that need some attention!

To help you get ready to begin again, Kemi from Homemaking Organized has graciously put together a 34 Weeks of Clean ebook for you to follow.  This ebook is FREE to subscribers of Family, Faith, and Fridays Blog as well as anyone who actively participated in our 34 Weeks of Clean Series.  Just shoot me an email, and I will be happy to provide the link for you!

A BIG thank you to all who participated!  It has been so much fun to interact with you and to see your successes.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

From Kemi-

As we end the 34 Weeks of Clean Challenge with Michele I'm actually sad to see it go. Even though some weeks I didn't get to the challenge or I would get really behind on the current challenge what this project served to do in my home was to get me back on track to regular deep cleaning. Not just daily cleaning. 

In the past several years a couple of moves have upset my neatly orchestrated deep cleaning schedule and and left me floundering to keep up. I always meant to get it together and adjust but never seemed to. 

After tackling each room in our home these past 34 Weeks we have made several updates and completed quite a few home projects. Sure there is still much to be done but progress is made.

Another thing that came out of this challenge was the idea of a simple of ebook so that you (and I) can reboot our homes in 34 weeks. Now what about the other 18 weeks in the year? Well since this challenge ends right before the new school year happens my tip is to focus on back to school and the holiday season and then get ready to dive back in come next January. Hopefully we can talk Michele into hosting it again ;)

Kemi

The winner of our 34 Weeks of Clean Prize Basket will be announced on the blog on Monday!
Until then, you have the weekend off of cleaning! ;)

Blessings,